WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION - London County Hall (28/11/24)

Have you ever been present in the courtroom during a major criminal trial? This production of Agatha Christie’s “Witness for the Prosecution” is probably about the closest you can get without actually attending, as evidenced not only by the fully immersive nature of this remarkable piece of theatre, but the fact that the venue itself is an old courtroom turned theatre auditorium, complete with jury, witness box and viewing gallery. Director Lucy Bailey has created something truly memorable with this adaptation, taking Christie's original text to new heights of intrigue and suspense.

The company of Witness For The Prosecution (credit: Jay Brooks)

The biggest challenge with a show that fully embraces the immersion of the setting is making sure the content is just as strong, and thankfully, such is the quality of Agatha Christie’s crime writing, this was never going to be an issue. What Lucy Bailey has managed to do, which can only be commended, is enhance Christie’s writing beyond a simple courtroom drama, and in tandem with William Dudley’s scenic design and stunning lighting design by Chris Davey, created something unique, gripping, and highly intelligent.

We are completely taken in from the first scene, with the intrigue built from a prospective sentencing of a murder suspect setting us up brilliantly for what’s to come. Whilst specific details are best left a surprise, what is truly intriguing, and pretty unprecedented, is that the ending of the play changes dependent on how the jury (made up of participating audience members) vote on the final verdict, which gives the play superb rewatchability factor. And much of the protocol followed is exactly how it would be in a real trial, which certainly adds to the already insurmountable appeal. What truly makes it unique though is that the play's ending changes depending on the outcome reached by the jury of opted in audience members, which is unbelievably clever.

The company of Witness For The Prosecution (credit: Pamela Raith)

Courtroom dramas can often feel melodramatic by nature, which is why it’s a treat to see such a talented cast that hits a perfect balance of drama and realness. Alfie Noble as Leonard Vole was delightful, making us as an audience feel for him, while also sowing the seeds of doubt. Douglas Bruce-Lockhart and Robert Hands as the two feuding barristers both give commanding, dominant performances, and judge Michael Cochrane controlled courtroom proceedings masterfully. If there’s only one crime thriller you see this year, it simply must be this one, as Bailey has truly pushed the boundaries as to what theatre can be!

★★★★★

Witness for the Prosecution currently plays at London's County Hall.